Get to know the Blenkiron family
The friendly faces behind this empire
In the early 80s, a small farming operation began to take shape in the heart of Keyneton in the Barossa valley. It was here that Michael Blenkiron’ s passion for pigs first ignited. He started with a few slip pigs purchased every Wednesday at the Truro pig sales, where he began a cycle of buying, breeding, and selling piglets back to other pork producers. This simple yet effective approach laid the foundation for what would become a successful business.
As Michael worked to grow the farm, his son, Shaun, became increasingly involved. From a young age, Shaun helped with the daily tasks of feeding, weighing, and caring for the pigs as Shaun learned the in’s and outs of farm life. At just 10 years old, Shaun's entrepreneurial spirit began to shine when he bought his first breeding gilt, which was a large white gilt. He raised the piglets, bought the feed from his father, and sold the piglets for a profit, an experience that not only deepened his passion for farming but also sparked a desire to take the farm further in his later years.
As Shaun grew older, so did the farm. The operation moved from the old, traditionally cramped brick pigsty to a new, larger location just down the road which had no pig accommodation when purchased. The new farm featured later down the track more sustainable straw based eco shelters, allowing the Blenkiron to care for their pigs in a way that reflected their commitment to the environment and the health and welfare of their pig’s. This move provided more room for expansion, and soon, the farm’s pig numbers increased, along the way acquiring additional staff to help with the daily welfare of the animals. The farm, now in full swing, was on the rise, and it wasn’t long before Michael and Shaun’s passion began to translate into tangible success.
After completing his schooling, Shaun took a significant step toward shaping his future. He earned his certificate in agriculture, building upon the hands-on knowledge he’d gathered from the farm. His formal education gave him a deeper understanding of modern farming practices and better equipped him to handle the complexities of running the growing family business. But Shaun didn’t stop there.
Eager to learn more, Shaun sought out work experience at Sabor Pig Genetics, where he gained invaluable knowledge in the field of pig breeding and genetics. He learned the techniques in genetic selection, improving herd quality and maximising productivity. This experience allowed him to bring innovative ideas back to the farm, elevating the breeding practices and overall operations to a new level helping to increase bloodlines and pure lines throughout the farm.
Shaun’s passion for the farm grew stronger. Through his hard work, dedication, and the knowledge he acquired along the way, the Blenkiron family farm flourished. From those early days with a handful of pigs to a thriving business with a sustainable future, the journey of Gumshire Pork was shaped by a father and son who, together, built something remarkable—one pig at a time.
A bright future ahead
Now Michael Blenkiron with wife Margaret and their Son Shaun are the dedicated and passionate owners of Gumshire Pork, a family-run business based in the renowned Barossa Valley.
Michael and Margaret now work alongside their son Shaun and wife Amy to produce premium, high-quality pork products to you, that reflect the family's expertise and values within the pork industry.
Both Amy and Shaun’s children also play a vital role in representing the next generation of passionate pork producers; at Gumshire Pork. Both children are eager to carry forward the Blenkiron legacy of producing high-quality pork. As part of their involvement in the family business, both children now have begun showcasing their family farm through prestigious agricultural events such as the Adelaide Royal Show and Sydney Royal Easter Show. Their passion, combined with the support of their parents and grandparents, ensures that the future of Gumshire Pork remains bright.